New Ulm, MN -- Friday, North Central University (NCU) baseball opened its final series of the 2026 season on the road against the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights, falling 7-2 in the opener despite flashes of aggressive baserunning and late-inning pressure from the Rams' lineup. NCU showed persistence throughout, generating scoring chances and manufacturing runs in key moments.
North Central looked to strike early as freshman first baseman
Darrion Wesley reached base to open the game and advanced into scoring position following a sacrifice bunt from senior infielder
Dawson Barson, but the Rams were unable to capitalize. The game remained scoreless through the first inning before the Knights used a pair of multi-run frames in the second and third to build an early deficit. Sophomore LHP
Brian Dahlstrand got the start on the mound, working through five innings while battling through traffic on the bases. Dahlstrand finished with 5.0 innings pitched, allowing five earned runs on nine hits while limiting damage in several key spots. Freshman RHP
Justin Hostetler came on in relief and delivered a steady outing, tossing 3.0 innings and allowing just two runs, both unearned, while helping keep the Rams within reach late. Offensively, the Rams broke through in the fifth inning. Freshman outfielder
Dante Wade sparked the rally with a double to left field, then used his speed to swipe third base. Freshman infielder
Anthony Barajas followed with a sacrifice fly to bring Wade home, putting NCU on the board. Wade continued to be a catalyst throughout the game, finishing 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, two stolen bases, and a walk. NCU added another run in the eighth inning through continued pressure on the basepaths. Wade again reached base and advanced aggressively, eventually scoring on a defensive miscue after Barajas singled to center field. Barajas contributed a productive day at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI and a sacrifice fly. Freshman outfielder
Jack Meckler accounted for one of the Rams' three hits, finishing 1-for-3 with a walk, while drawing key at-bats throughout the game. As a team, North Central showed discipline at the plate with five walks and consistently pressured defensively with four stolen bases, led by Wade's two. Despite being limited to three hits, the Rams found ways to generate offense through situational execution and baserunning. NCU left five runners on base and forced defensive plays late, continuing to compete through all nine innings.
Top Performers:
- Dante Wade (Fr., LF): 1-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 SB, BB
- Anthony Barajas (Fr., 2B): 1-2, RBI, SF
- Jack Meckler (Fr., RF): 1-3, BB
- Justin Hostetler (Fr., RHP): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
Looking Ahead:
Up next, the Rams will continue the three-game series tomorrow with a doubleheader to close out the series. First pitch for those games is set for 1:00 and 4:00 PM at MLC Baseball Field in New Ulm, MN.
All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on baseball and all things NCU Athletics.
